Unlocking Ebony in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide

In Skyrim, Ebony truly begins to weave its way into your gameplay experience around level 25, when it starts appearing in vendor inventories. However, the level at which you can reliably acquire Ebony gear and resources varies depending on the method. For those eager to craft with Ebony, keep in mind that Ebony armor can be crafted once you hit a Smithing skill of 80. Ebony weapons and armor will consistently appear as loot at level 30, and may appear in forges and shops around level 40. Let’s dive into the details of how to get your hands on this coveted material at various stages of your adventure.

Ebony Availability by Level and Method

The availability of Ebony is gated by both your character’s level and your Smithing skill. It’s not a simple matter of hitting a single level threshold. Here’s a breakdown:

• Mining (Any Level): You can technically mine Ebony Ore from the start of the game if you know where to look and have a pickaxe. Ebony Mines are scattered throughout Skyrim, though access to some may be challenging at lower levels due to dangerous creatures.
• Vendor Stock (Level 25+): Ebony Ingots start appearing in vendor inventories around level 25. Keep an eye on blacksmiths and general goods merchants.
• Crafting (Smithing Skill 80+): You need a Smithing skill of at least 80 to craft Ebony armor. To craft weapons, you will also need the Ebony Smithing perk.
• Loot Drops (Level 30+): Ebony weapons and armor begin to appear more frequently as loot drops in chests and on enemies at level 30.
• Forge & Shop Availability (Level 40+): Around level 40, Ebony items will more reliably appear for sale in shops and can be crafted at forges, provided you have the necessary skills and materials.

Getting Ebony Early: Exploits and Locations

While the game is designed to gate Ebony behind level and skill requirements, clever players have discovered ways to acquire it early:

The Dawnstar Chest Exploit

One popular method involves exploiting a hidden, invisible chest in Dawnstar. This chest contains the inventory of the Khajiit Caravan that travels to Dawnstar. By repeatedly looting this chest, you can acquire valuable items, including Ebony Ingots, potentially allowing you to rapidly level up your Smithing skill and craft Ebony gear much earlier than intended. To perform this exploit, travel to Dawnstar and search the rocks near the Iron-Breaker Mine. The chest is hidden just outside the city walls. Be aware that this is considered an exploit and may be patched in future game updates. For more on how games teach, consider exploring the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Arcwind Point Ebony Sword

For those seeking an Ebony weapon early, head to Arcwind Point. Located south of the Throat of the World in the mountains, you can find a Draugr Death Overlord at the top of the stairs behind a small shack filled with potions. This Draugr is very likely to wield an Ebony Sword, making it accessible even at level 1. However, be warned that the Draugr Death Overlord is a formidable foe, and you’ll need to be strategic or stealthy to defeat it at a low level.

Mining Locations

Although vendor purchases are level-gated, mining Ebony Ore is not. Key Ebony mining locations include:

• Shore’s Stone: This village has an Ebony Mine that is relatively accessible.
• Raven Rock (Solstheim): The town is built around a significant Ebony Mine. You’ll need the Dragonborn DLC to access this location.
• Orc Stronghold (North of Kynesgrove): This stronghold boasts an Ebony Mine with enough ore to potentially craft a full set of Ebony armor.

Leveling Up Smithing Quickly

To take full advantage of Ebony, you’ll need to level up your Smithing skill. Here are some tips:

• Smelt Ore: Smelting ore into ingots is a reliable way to gain Smithing experience.
• Craft Iron Daggers: This is a classic method for rapidly leveling Smithing. Gather iron ore, smelt it into ingots, and craft as many iron daggers as possible.
• Craft Jewelry: Crafting jewelry, especially gold rings, is also an efficient way to level Smithing, especially if you have the Transmute Mineral Ore spell to turn iron ore into gold ore.
• Improve Items: Improving items at a grindstone or workbench also grants Smithing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I mine Ebony Ore at level 1?

Yes, you can mine Ebony Ore at any level as long as you have a pickaxe and can reach the mine. However, the creatures guarding these mines can be challenging at lower levels.

2. What level do Ebony Ingots start appearing in shops?

Ebony Ingots begin to appear in vendor inventories around level 25.

3. What Smithing skill is needed to craft Ebony armor?

You need a Smithing skill of 80 to craft Ebony armor.

4. What level do Ebony weapons start appearing as loot?

Ebony weapons and armor start to appear as loot around level 30.

5. Is there a guaranteed Ebony weapon at level 1?

Yes, at Arcwind Point, you can find a Draugr Death Overlord wielding an Ebony Sword, making it accessible even at level 1.

6. Where can I find Ebony Mines early in the game?

Key Ebony mining locations include Shore’s Stone, Raven Rock (Solstheim), and the Orc Stronghold north of Kynesgrove.

7. Is Ebony rare in Skyrim?

Yes, Ebony is considered relatively rare in Skyrim, contributing to its value and desirability.

8. What is the Dawnstar Chest exploit?

The Dawnstar Chest exploit involves looting a hidden, invisible chest in Dawnstar that contains the inventory of the Khajiit Caravan. This can provide early access to valuable items, including Ebony Ingots.

9. Is Ebony armor good in Skyrim?

Yes, Ebony armor is considered good heavy armor, providing a high armor rating of 128 with a shield, making it a worthwhile investment.

10. What is the best Ebony weapon?

The Ebony War Axe is often considered the better Ebony weapon due to its high damage per second (DPS) compared to the Ebony Mace.

11. What is the Ebony Blade and when can I get it?

The Ebony Blade is a Daedric artifact that can be obtained by starting the quest “The Whispering Door” once you reach level 20.

12. How do I level up Smithing quickly to craft Ebony gear?

Methods for leveling up Smithing quickly include smelting ore, crafting iron daggers, crafting jewelry, and improving items at a grindstone or workbench.

13. What is the Ebony Warrior and when does he appear?

The Ebony Warrior is a challenging enemy who appears once you reach level 80. He will challenge you to a duel to the death.

14. Is Ebony or Daedric armor better?

Daedric armor is statistically better than Ebony armor, but Ebony armor is still a strong and viable option, especially considering its more readily available resources.

15. What is the console command to get Ebony Ingots?

To get Ebony Ingots using console commands, type: player.additem 0005AD9D X, where “X” is the desired quantity of ingots.

Conclusion

While Ebony gear is gated behind level and skill requirements, resourceful players can find ways to acquire it early in Skyrim. Whether through mining, exploits, or strategic enemy encounters, mastering the acquisition of Ebony can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Remember to explore the game world, experiment with different strategies, and enjoy the adventure! This also highlights how games provide learning opportunities for problem-solving and resource management. You can explore further insights into game-based learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.